WASHINGTON, D.C. — ICE director Tom Homan issued a stern warning to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, vowing that the federal government will take legal action against state and local officials who obstruct immigration enforcement efforts.
This comes after Murphy vowed to fight Trump “to the death” on rounding up illegal criminal aliens and days after the governor said he was harboring an illegal alien inside a garage apartment at his Middletown waterfront mansion.
Murphy later attempted to walk that claim back, but said he would like to see the feds try to, “come and get her.”
Homan said he is now working closely with the Department of Justice, said he is assessing when actions such as Murphy’s constitutes illegal interference.
“Once they impede operations, it becomes an issue,” he stated, emphasizing that such actions could lead to arrests.
He made it clear that the Biden administration’s previous approach to immigration enforcement would not continue under President Donald Trump’s directive.
Homan also addressed concerns over operational security, revealing that authorities had traced a recent intelligence leak and were preparing to take action.
“We will not tolerate these actions anymore,” he said. “Our job is hazardous for the men and women of ICE, Border Patrol, and other agencies. Interference poses significant risks, not just for our officers but also for the individuals involved.”
He added that figures like Murphy and other state leaders must recognize the seriousness of the situation or face potential prosecution.
Murphy has been vocal about his opposition to stricter immigration policies, supporting sanctuary state policies that limit state and local cooperation with federal authorities. Homan criticized this stance, arguing that it endangers law enforcement officers and weakens immigration enforcement efforts.
“Leaders like Phil Murphy set a concerning precedent that could endanger our officers,” he stated. “We must take strong action to hold individuals accountable, and this must change immediately.”
Homan reinforced the Trump administration’s stance on immigration, stating that President Trump had been given a clear mandate by the American people to strengthen border security and enforcement.
“This morning, I reviewed the data showing that ICE has arrested nearly 12,000 individuals, mostly criminals posing public safety threats,” he said. “For any mayor or governor who opposes the removal of these threats from our communities, I find that hard to understand.”
He further warned that if state officials attempt to shield individuals from federal enforcement, they could face legal repercussions.
“We will proceed with or without their cooperation,” Homan stated. “However, I urge them not to hinder our operations or harbor illegal individuals, as we will pursue prosecution for such actions.”
Homan also pushed back against criticism that ICE targets non-criminal immigrants, emphasizing that enforcement efforts focus on individuals with criminal records who pose risks to public safety.
“Our goal is to make communities safer by targeting those with criminal records who are unlawfully present,” he said.
He acknowledged that ICE operations in local communities might result in collateral arrests of non-criminals but made it clear that the agency would not ignore immigration violations.
“Unlike the previous administration, we will not turn a blind eye to those who also need to be addressed. We are committed to enforcing immigration law.”